F-M referendum draws heavy poll turnout

Polls opened at 7 a.m. today for people to cast their vote on the highly publicized and controversial Fayetteville-Manlius turf/stadium referendum. As of 10 a.m. almost 1,000 voters had already come through the line, said F-M Athletic Director Rich Roy.

"It's going to be a significant turnout, probably the largest for any budget or referendum in history," he said. "That kind of turnout tells you that it's a meaningful project for people, one way or the other."

The $4.6 million project was scrutinized in recent weeks, provoking debates and discussion among various community members, both in favor and opposed.

"It's a very important thing that we have a right to vote for, so I cast my opinion, said Fayetteville resident George Confer, who showed up to the polls set up at Fayetteville Elementary this morning.

The heavy turnout has forced officials to open two additional voting machines -- something they've never had to do in the past, said Michael Vespi, assistant superintendent for business services.

Manlius resident Barbara Howard said she came out for the community.

"I think that it's important for all the support in this town," Howard said.